RENO, NV — Gilbane joined Nevada state leaders, University of Nevada, Reno officials, and community partners to celebrate a major construction milestone for the new Nevada State Public Health Laboratory with a ceremonial brick-laying event on campus.
The event highlighted continued progress on the approximately 55,000-square-foot facility that will significantly expand Nevada’s public health capabilities. Once complete, the laboratory will enhance the state’s ability to respond to emerging health threats, conduct advanced research, and provide critical diagnostic services for communities across Nevada.
“This new public health laboratory represents a significant investment in the future of our state and the well-being of our communities,” said Brian Sandoval, President of the University of Nevada, Reno. “Through collaboration with partners like Gilbane, we are strengthening Nevada’s capacity for research, education, and rapid response to public health challenges.”
Communities across Nevada depend on fast, reliable public health systems. This facility strengthens the state’s ability to detect, respond to, and contain emerging health threats.
“This milestone represents more than construction progress. This project reflects a shared commitment to protecting and improving the health of all Nevadans,” said Richard Arndt, Nevada Business Leader, Gilbane Building. “Gilbane is proud to partner with the State of Nevada and the university to deliver a facility that will serve as a cornerstone for public health innovation and emergency preparedness for decades to come.”
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The new laboratory will feature advanced research and testing environments, including flexible lab spaces, dedicated screening and diagnostic labs, and specialized containment areas designed to support rapid response to infectious diseases and public health emergencies.
“We are going to see an amazing change in public health laboratory science in Nevada. This facility will revolutionize how we do what we do,” said Timothy Southern, State Public Health Lab Director. “We believe that environmental public health is human health, and this facility will help us better serve communities all across the state.”
State and university leaders emphasized the importance of the project in strengthening Nevada’s public health infrastructure, particularly in the wake of lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. The expanded facility will enable increased testing capacity, improved disease surveillance, and enhanced collaboration between academic, health care, and government partners.
Construction of the $75 million facility began in summer 2024 and is expected to be completed in fall 2026. Gilbane Building is serving as the general contractor for the project, working in partnership with design firm VanWoert Bigotti and key stakeholders.
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Upon completion, the new Nevada State Public Health Laboratory will play a vital role in safeguarding communities statewide, supporting services such as newborn screening, infectious disease testing, and emergency response initiatives.
